Press Releases

Islamic Society of Boston Dismisses Lawsuit Against Steven Emerson

Earlier today, the Islamic Society of Boston (ISB) dismissed its baseless defamation lawsuit against world-renowned terrorism expert, Steven Emerson, his organization -- The Investigative Project on Terrorism, and various individuals, organizations and media outlets in the Boston area. No money will change hands; Mr. Emerson will not apologize and stands behind everything he said about ISB's associations with Islamic extremists; nor is he limited in anything he may say in the future. Today's events represent a strong, stirring victory for free speech and American values and a repudiation of the tactic of misusing the judicial system to seek to stifle important and legitimate forms of expression.

The lawsuit, initiated by the ISB in October 2005, was a clear attempt to intimidate journalists, researchers and private citizens from engaging in constitutionally protected activities, including informing the public of extremist elements in their midst. Although Mr. Emerson has been fully vindicated and will continue vigorously to unmask radical Islamist organizations and networks in the U.S. and around the world, the ISB's groundless lawsuit has demonstrated that the judicial system can be too easily misused by those seeking to intimidate and harass those who have justly criticized them. Fortunately, today's result demonstrates that those with the truth on their side should never be intimidated or cowed into silence.